Article of footwear for substantially reducing friction and related components and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear for substantially reducing friction related to tying a shoe with a shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section. The shoe comprises eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each eyelet having a cross-section larger than the uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace. The shoe further comprises shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of the eyelets. The shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe. In addition, the shoelace interfacing structures supports movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of the shoelace interfacing structure and permits the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to the field of lacing holding structures and guiding means for lacing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The traditional shoe is difficult to tie, mainly in athletic shoes and high ankle shoes such as rollerblades, inline skates, ice skates, etc. On a shoe with traditional eyelets that guides the shoelace, a person tightens the shoe by pulling on the ends of the shoelace at the top portion of the shoe. This results in more tension at the top portion of the shoe, and generally will result in an uneven distribution of tension throughout the rest of the shoe, specifically, less tension in the bottom and middle portions. This is because when the person pulls on the ends of the shoelace, there is too much friction between the shoelace and the eyelets that guide the shoelace. As a result, the tension is higher at the top portion of the shoe than at the bottom and middle portions, causing discomfort due to the uneven tension distribution.

A person may get closer to an even tension distribution, but traditionally only by tightening the shoelace starting from the bottom portion and tightening the shoelace on the right and left side of the shoe progressively towards the top portion.

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed subject matter teaches an article of footwear, including eyelets, that substantially reduces the friction between the shoelace and the eyelet portions of the shoe that receives and contacts the shoe. The disclosed subject matter will make tightening a shoe easier and result in an even distribution of tension across the shoe.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the article of footwear comprises:

a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and

a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction for the shoelace to slide past. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures are fixed to said one of said eyelets.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures are connected to said one of said eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing structures.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static interface with the shoelace. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures are connected to said one of said eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing structures.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear further comprises a plurality of inner axles, each of said inner axles configured inside one of said shoelace interfacing structures, wherein each of said inner axles are fixed to one of said eyelets, further wherein said one of said shoelace interfacing structures connected to one of said inner axles through an interface.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said interface comprises lubricant for permitting movement of each of said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles with minimal friction. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said interface comprises one or more bearings for permitting movement of each of said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles with minimal friction. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said one or more bearings are ball bearings, roller bearings, or needle bearings.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein an inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction for permitting said inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures to slide past said one or more bearings. In some embodiments, the article of footwear further wherein an outer surface of each of said inner axles comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction for permitting said outer surface of each of said inner axles to slide past said one or more bearings.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein an inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static interface with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more bearings to roll across an outer surface of one of said inner axles. In some embodiments, the article of footwear further wherein said outer surface of each of said inner axles comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction for for forming a static interface with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more bearings to roll across said outer surface of one of said inner axles.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said shoelace interfacing structures are longitudinal and said material comprises urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable plastic.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein the shoelace has a first end and a second end, said first end fixed to the shoe and said second end connected to a rotatable member for increasing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said rotatable member is motorized. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein said rotatable member is operably associated with a crank. In some embodiments, the article of footwear wherein the shoelace wraps around a perimeter of the shoe.

In some embodiments, a method for configuring an article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the method comprises:

providing a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and

providing a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.

These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following FIGURES and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are included within this description, be within the scope of any claims filed later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a traditional shoe 100 with eyelets 104.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter that features shoelace interfacing structures 106 with an outer surface 108 that comprises a material 114 for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of one embodiment wherein each of the shoelace interfacing structures 106 are fixed to the eyelet 104.

FIGS. 4A and 4B shows front views of some embodiments where each shoelace interfacing structure 106 is connected to the eyelet 104 through a rotatable interface 116.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of one embodiment where inner axles 122 are configured inside the shoelace interfacing structures 106.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments with an interface 124 between the inner axle 122 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

FIG. 7 shows a side cross section view of one embodiment where the interface 124 comprises one or more bearings 128 for permitting movement of the shoelace interfacing structures around the said inner axles 122 with minimal friction.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments where an inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures 106 comprises a material 140 with a high coefficient of friction for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to form a static interface with the bearings 130, thereby enabling the bearings 130 to roll across an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments where the one or more bearings are roller bearings 132.

FIG. 10 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments where the one or more bearings are needle bearings 134.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows some embodiments of different shapes of eyelets 104, including rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal, respectively.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a first end 152 fixed to the shoe 100 and a second end 154 connected to a rotatable member 146.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of some embodiments of the rotatable member 146 connected to a crank 148.

In the FIGURES, like elements should be understood to represent like elements, even though reference labels are omitted on some instances of a repeated element, for simplicity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.

FIG. 1 shows a traditional shoe 100 with eyelets 104. A shoelace 102 is tied through the eyelets 104. On most traditional shoes, the shoelace uncompressed cross section 110 is larger than the eyelet cross section 112. This creates additional friction when the shoelace is pulled through the eyelet. FIG. 1 is not shown to scale for illustrative purposes. The uncompressed cross-section 110 of the shoelace, in most shoes, is larger or approximately the same than the cross section of each eyelet 104. And furthermore, even in the minority of shoes with a smaller shoelace uncompressed cross-section 110 than the eyelet cross section 112, the shoelace 102 still get caught due to too much friction buildup between the shoelace and the eyelets, resulting in an uneven tension distribution.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter that features shoelace interfacing structures 106 with an outer surface 108 that comprises a material 114 for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe. Each shoelace interfacing structure 106 supports movement of the shoelace along the outer surface 108 and permits the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace 102 ties the shoe 100 with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each shoelace interfacing structure 106 throughout the shoe 100.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment wherein each of the shoelace interfacing structures 106 are fixed to the eyelet 104. In some embodiments, the shoelace interfacing structure 106 is formed in the same mold as the eyelet 104.

In some embodiments, the material 114 for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction 118. In some embodiments, the eyelet 104 can be formed of the same low coefficient of friction material as the shoelace interfacing structure 106 is, or of a different material. In some embodiments, the shoelace interfacing structure 106 comprises urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable plastic 144. In some embodiments, the outer surface material can be different from the material of the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

FIG. 4A shows one embodiment where each shoelace interfacing structure 106 is connected to the eyelet 104 through a rotatable interface 116. In some embodiments, the material 114 for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction 118. When the shoelace 102 moves along the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106 at lower speeds, it is more likely for the friction to form a static interface between the shoelace 102 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106. In response to sufficient friction between the shoelace 102 and the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106, the shoelace 102 will rotate the shoelace interfacing structure 106. At faster speeds, it is more likely that the shoelace interfacing structure 106 glides past the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

In some embodiments, the material 114 for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction 120, as shown in FIG. 4B. This will increase the chance for the friction to form a static interface between the shoelace 102 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106. The friction is translated to the rotatable interface 116. The rotatable interface can be any low friction pivot, such as ball bearings or roller bearings. These mechanisms generally result in lower friction than if the shoelace 102 glides past the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment where inner axles 122 are configured inside the shoelace interfacing structures 106. The inner axles 122 are fixed to the eyelets 104 and the shoelace interfacing structures 106 are connected to the inner axles 122 through an interface 124.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross section view of some embodiments with an interface 124 between the inner axle 122 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106. In some embodiments, the interface 124 comprises lubricant 126. The lubricant 126 can be oil or liquid that reduces the friction between the inner axle 122 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106 less than if the shoelace 102 glides past the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment where the interface 124 comprises one or more bearings 128 for permitting movement of the shoelace interfacing structures around the said inner axles 122 with minimal friction.

In some embodiments, the one or more bearings are ball bearings 130. The load is relatively small for tying a shoelace and thus, ball bearings are suitable for this application. Ball bearings reduce friction by rolling, instead of sliding past a surface. In some embodiments, an inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures 106 comprises a material 138 with a low coefficient of friction for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to slide past the ball bearings 130. In some embodiments, an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122 comprises a material with a low coefficient of friction 138 for permitting the outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122 to slide past the ball bearings 130.

In response to sufficient friction between the shoelace 102 and the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106, the shoelace 102 will rotate the shoelace interfacing structure 106. When the shoelace interfacing structure 106 rotates and moves along the ball bearings 130 at lower speeds, it is more likely for the friction to form a static interface between the ball bearings 130 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106. At faster speeds, it is more likely that the shoelace interfacing structure 106 glides past the ball bearings 130.

FIG. 8 shows some embodiments where an inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures 106 comprises a material 140 with a high coefficient of friction for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to form a static interface with the bearings 130, thereby enabling the bearings 130 to roll across an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122. In these embodiments, there is a higher chance for the friction to form a static interface between the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures and the bearings 130.

In some embodiments, an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122 comprises a material with a high coefficient of friction 140 for assisting the bearings 130 to roll across the outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122.

In response to sufficient friction between the shoelace 102 and the outer surface 108 of the shoelace interfacing structure 106, the shoelace 102 will rotate the shoelace interfacing structure 106. When the shoelace interfacing structure 106 rotates and moves along the ball bearings 130 at lower speeds, it is more likely for the friction to form a static interface between the ball bearings 130 and the shoelace interfacing structure 106.

FIG. 9 shows some embodiments where the one or more bearings are roller bearings 132. The load is spread over a line, allowing the bearing to handle much greater loads than a ball bearing. In some embodiments, the roller bearings 132 have a slight barrel shape or a slightly curved raceway to avoid edge loading.

FIG. 10 shows some embodiments where the one or more bearings are needle bearings 134. Needle bearings 134 are suitable for this application because needle bearings 134 have a very small diameter, allowing the bearing to fit into the tight space between the shoelace interfacing structures 106 and the inner axles 122.

In some embodiments with roller bearings 132 or needle bearings 134 or other interfaces, the same or similar materials used for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to slide past the ball bearings 130 can be used for roller bearings 132 or needle bearings 134 or other interfaces also. Furthermore, in some embodiments with roller bearings 132 or needle bearings 134 or other interfaces, the same or similar materials used for permitting the inner surface 136 of the shoelace interfacing structures to form a static interface with the bearings 130, thereby enabling the bearings 130 to roll across an outer surface 142 of the inner axles 122.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows some embodiments of different shapes of eyelets 104, including rectangular, triangular, and hexagonal, respectively.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of the shoelace 102 having a first end 152 and a second end 154. In some embodiments, the first end 152 is fixed to the shoe 100 and the second end 154 is connected to a rotatable member 146 for increasing the tension of the shoelace 102 with the shoelace interfacing structures 106, thus tying the shoe. In some embodiments, the rotatable member 146 is motorized.

FIG. 13 shows some embodiments of the rotatable member 146 connected to a crank 148. When the user rotates the crank 148, the shoelace 102 winds into the rotatable member 146. This increases the tension of the shoelace 102 with the shoelace interfacing structures 106, thus tying the shoe. In some embodiments, the shoelace 102 wraps around a perimeter 150 of the shoe to further distribute the tension throughout the shoe.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, the specific features of one embodiment should not be attributed to other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. No single embodiment is representative of all aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, variations and modifications therefrom exist. For example, the disclosed subject matter described herein may comprise other components. Various additives may also be used to further enhance one or more properties. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is substantially free of any additive not specifically enumerated herein. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter described herein consist of or consist essentially of the enumerated components. In addition, some embodiments of the methods described herein consist of or consist essentially of the enumerated steps. The claims to be appended later intend to cover all such variations and modifications as falling within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the article of footwear comprising: a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a material with a low coefficient of friction for the shoelace to slide past.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures are fixed to said one of said eyelets.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures connected to said one of said eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing structures.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said outer surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a material with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static interface with the shoelace.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein each of said shoelace interfacing structures connected to said one of said eyelets through a rotatable interface, said rotatable interface rotating in response to sufficient friction between the shoelace and said outer surface of one of said shoelace interfacing structures.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of inner axles, each of said inner axles configured inside one of said shoelace interfacing structures, wherein each of said inner axles are fixed to one of said eyelets, further wherein said one of said shoelace interfacing structures connected to one of said inner axles through an interface.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein said interface comprising lubricant for permitting movement of each of said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles with minimal friction.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein said interface comprising one or more bearings for permitting movement of each of said shoelace interfacing structures around one of said inner axles with minimal friction.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein said one or more bearings are ball bearings, roller bearings, or needle bearings.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein an inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a material with a low coefficient of friction for permitting said inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures to slide past said one or more bearings.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 11, further wherein an outer surface of each of said inner axles comprising a material with a low coefficient of friction for permitting said outer surface of each of said inner axles to slide past said one or more bearings.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein an inner surface of each of said shoelace interfacing structures comprising a material with a high coefficient of friction for forming a static interface with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more bearings to roll across an outer surface of one of said inner axles.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 13, further wherein said outer surface of each of said inner axles comprising a material with a high coefficient of friction for for forming a static interface with said one or more bearings, thereby enabling said one or more bearings to roll across said outer surface of one of said inner axles.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said shoelace interfacing structures are longitudinal and said material comprising urethane or a hard, wear-resistant, non-pliable plastic.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the shoelace having a first end and a second end, said first end fixed to the shoe and said second end connected to a rotatable member for increasing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein said rotatable member is motorized.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein said rotatable member operably associated with a crank.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the shoelace wrapping around a perimeter of the shoe.
 20. A method for configuring an article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the method comprising: providing a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and providing a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe. 